Modular grow chamber constructions and related growing systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Growing systems may include a number of modular growing chambers with integrated support columns that eliminate the need for an external support frame and which provide a simple way to remove chambers from a stack for harvesting. The chambers can be assembled around a growing plant. Pins provided on the support columns ensure alignment and provide for easy removal of a lower chamber by first supporting the stack and slightly lowering it relative to the stack. The chamber structure supports harvesting processes that permit harvesting of a chamber simply by shifting it relative to the stack and supporting the other chambers in a vertical position and shifting the chambers. A portable shifting device may provide automated support, shifting and removal of one or more chambers for harvesting.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to construction of grow chambers for growingplants. The disclosure further relates to systems and methods forgrowing plants, including systems for growing of plants that employ anumber of grow chambers in a stacked arrangement and including methodsof using such systems to control and enhance plant growth. Thedisclosure further relates to apparatus and systems for automating theoperation of growing systems, including automated components forshifting, lowering, removing or other manipulating of one or more growchambers in a grow chamber stack.

Recent solutions have addressed challenges in the art to make emergingfarming technologies more feasible for mainstream use and production ofcrops and for adaptation on a wide, commercial scale. For example, U.S.Pat. Nos. 9,848,545 and 10,076,090 to Joseph, et al., the subject matterof which is incorporated herein in its entirety, disclose stackedfarming systems and processes which utilize stackable grow chambersystems for controlling the growth of different sections of a singleplant. The stack of chambers may surround one or more growing plants,each plant extending within the stack of chambers and having arespective section in each of one or more of the stacked chambers, witheach growing chamber surrounding a corresponding portion of the plant,such as a root mass, plant produce, plant stalk, plant canopy, etc. Thegrow chambers may be selectively added or removed during plant growth,with little to no disruption to the plant, such that different sectionsof the growing plant may be influenced differently by respectivesurrounding grow chambers and the unique environment that is created andcontrolled independently from the other chambers and respective plantsections housed therein. The grow chamber configurations may thus beutilized to manage and control plant growth, productivity, harvestingand prolong the productive life of the plant, thus enabling uniquegrowing and harvesting methods and processes, providing growing systemsthat are efficient and productive such that the costs associated withoperation are justified by the output produced. Such systems provide forincreased control and management of plant growth and increase theproduction (yield), improve the product assortment available fromplants, and increase the useful productive life of plants. There arecontinued challenges in the art to make known growing apparatus, systemsand processes more suitable for mainstream and widescale production,transport and use and reduce manufacturing and crop production cost.

There is thus a need in the relevant art for solutions that address theaforementioned challenges and others in the art.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides improvements to known grow chambersystems and related methods, including improvements that reducemanufacturing costs, improve transportability of grow chambers and growchamber systems, provide ease of construction, cleaning, storing anduse, and that enhance operation and automation. Additionally, sitebuild-out costs may be reduced, since traditional infrastructurecomponents such as lifts, catwalks, racks, frames or the like can beeliminated or reduced in number by the use of stacked grow systemarchitectures that incorporate aspects of the disclosure.

According to one aspect, grow chamber constructions may incorporatestandardized parts that are easy and inexpensive to manufacture andtransport and which may be quickly assembled into a grow chamber stackwhereby each grow chamber provides a controlled environment for arespective section of a single plant or a number of plants extendingthrough the grow chamber stack. Each chamber may include a grow chamberframe supported on at least two, and preferably four support columns.The chamber frame may define a floor space that may support a number ofstandardized floor panels, each having at least one plant interfacethrough which the plant may extend such that the floor panels and thechamber may be installed around the plant section without disturbing theplant. The plant interface may engage or abut the plant stalk withoutdamaging it and may create a barrier to keep the plant sectionsubstantially isolated within the chamber. The chamber frame may alsodefine a ceiling or lid space for each chamber that may support a numberof standardized or customized ceiling or lid panels, which may have thesame configuration as the floor panels and may be installed around theplant section without disturbing the plant. Front, back and side panelsmay be secured to the chamber frame to define an interior space, theenvironment of which may be controlled, independently of other chambersin the stack, to influence growth of the plant section extending withinthe grow chamber. The chamber frame and support column constructionpermit removal of the front, back and side panels without removing thechamber from the stack, thereby allowing maintenance, inspection andservicing of the interior chamber space and plant section therein. Eachsupport column may include an interface which permits any chamber in thestack, or a portion of the stack, to be lifted, lowered and/or supportedin a vertical position, allowing removal of one or more chambers forharvesting.

According to another aspect, the support columns, not only may supportand/or be integral with the chamber frame components, but may alsofunction as sub-frame components in the chamber stack to permit growchambers to be stacked upon one another without the need for an externalsupport frame for the overall stack. The support columns may includealignment pins and recesses such that an alignment pin of one supportcolumn may be received in a recess of an adjacent support column for anassociated chamber. The alignment pins also provide for efficientremoval of chambers from the stack in a harvesting operation as achamber only needs to be moved a small distance to remove the alignmentpins from the recesses of an adjacent chamber and to permit severing ofthe plant section contained in the chamber and removal of the chamberfrom the stack.

According to another aspect, the chamber construction supports growchamber systems and processes for constructing the chamber and a chamberstack as the plant grows and without disturbing plant growth. In agrowing process, an additional chamber maybe added to a base or anexisting grow chamber stack by constructing the new grow chamber on aplant section not under any chamber's control. As an example, thisprocess can be used to modify plant sections from a canopy or lightreceiving section to a root or crop productive section. Thus, sectionsof the plant can be enclosed by additional chambers and their growthmodified.

According to another aspect, the chamber construction and chambersystems support processes for harvesting successive sections of theplant by easy removal of a desired chamber from the stack.

According to another aspect, a harvesting device may automate or assistmanual processes for cutting plant sections and raising, lowering andremoval of one or more chambers from the chamber stack for harvesting.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other attendant advantages and features of the inventionwill be apparent from the following detailed description together withthe accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals representlike elements throughout. It will be understood that the description andembodiments are intended as illustrative examples and are not intendedto be limiting to the scope of invention, which is set forth in theclaims appended hereto. The drawings show example implementationsaccording to respective aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an example grow systemincluding a base, plant canopy support assembly and a stack of modulargrow chambers, with the stack partially exploded to show additionaldetails.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an example grow chamber usedin the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the grow chamber of FIG. 2 in anassembled state.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an assembled grow chamber frame andvertical supports.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspectives 6 showing an example grow chamber supportcolumn.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective of an example upper grow chamberframe.

FIG. 8 is a perspective of an example grow chamber front panel.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective of an example grow chamber intake sidepanel.

FIG. 10 is a perspective of an assembled exhaust side panel.

FIG. 11 is another perspective of the assembled exhaust side panel ofFIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective of a modular floor/lid panel andplant interfaces.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective of a base used in the system of FIG.1.

FIGS. 14.1 and 14.2 illustrate an example growing process, includingsteps and corresponding schematic configurations of the growing systemof FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is a perspective of a portable shifting device suitable for usewith the system of FIG. 1 and for implementing the growing process ofFIGS. 14.1 and 14.2.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the shifting device of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a perspective of the chamber shifting device of FIG. 15situated around a grow chamber stack having first and second growchambers.

FIG. 18 is a perspective showing the shifting device of FIG. 15 withshifting carriages engaging the shifting interfaces of a second chamberin the stack.

FIG. 19 is a perspective showing details of shifting carriages of theshifting device of FIG. 15.

FIG. 20 is a perspective showing the shifting device of FIG. 15 withshifting carriages on the second chamber.

FIG. 21 is a perspective showing the shifting device of FIG. 15 engaginga first chamber in the stack while supporting the second chamber.

FIG. 22 is a perspective showing the shifting device shifting the firstchamber in the stack.

FIG. 23 is a perspective showing the shifting device shifting the firstchamber in the stack and deployment of a roller sled for supporting thebottom of the first chamber.

FIG. 24 is a perspective showing the shifting device shifting the firstchamber to permit the roller sled to be placed beneath the bottom of thefirst chamber.

FIG. 25 is a perspective showing the shifting device lowering the firstchamber onto the roller sled.

FIG. 26 is a perspective showing the shifting device with the firstchamber being rolled onto a chamber receiving carriage on the shiftingdevice.

FIG. 27 is a cutaway perspective showing details of a shifting carriage,a chamber rolling sled and chamber receiving carriage of the shiftingdevice of FIG. 15

FIG. 28 is a cutaway perspective showing details of a chamber rollingsled and receiving carriage of the shifting device of FIG. 15 showinginteraction with a base.

FIG. 29 is a perspective showing details of a plant section cuttingmechanism of the shifting device of FIG. 15.

FIG. 30 is a perspective showing details of a shifting device lockingbar interacting with a lift interface on a chamber.

FIG. 31 is a side cutaway view showing details of a shifting carriagedrive mechanism and locking mechanism.

FIGS. 32 and 33 are perspectives showing a second example grow system.

FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective showing construction of a growchamber used in the system of FIGS. 32 and 33.

FIG. 35 is a perspective of a lower chamber frame component used inconstruction of the grow chambers used in the system of FIGS. 32 and 33.

FIG. 36 is a detailed perspective of a fastening configuration for theframe component of FIG. 35.

FIGS. 37 and 38 are exploded perspective views of a support column forthe grow chambers used in the system of FIGS. 32 and 33.

FIG. 39 is a detailed view showing the fastening details of the framecomponent of FIG. 35 and the support column of FIGS. 37 and 38.

FIG. 40 is a perspective of a floor panel used in the grow chambers ofthe system of FIGS. 32 and 33.

FIG. 41 is a perspective of an assembled grow chamber used in the systemof FIGS. 32 and 33.

FIG. 42 is an exploded perspective of a base suitable for use in thesystem of FIGS. 32 and 33.

FIGS. 43 and 44 are perspective views of a telescoping external supportfor supporting a grow chamber stack.

FIG. 45 is a perspective of a shifting device that may be used toelevate or lower a chamber in the system of FIGS. 32 and 33.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-13 illustrate details of an example growing system 10, andconstituent parts according to aspects of the disclosure. The growsystem 10 may include the major components of a base 100 and a number of(in this case five) grow chambers including a first chamber 200.1,second chamber 200.2, third chamber 200.3, fourth chamber 200.4 andfifth chamber 200.5 in a stacked arrangement. FIG. 1 shows the stack ina partially exploded view to reveal some of the details of the interiorof the first and second chambers, which will be further explainedherein. A canopy support 300 may comprise a number of (in this casefour) canopy support sections 302.1, 302.2, 302.3 and 302.4, which maybe fastened to an upper chamber 200.5 with threaded fasteners tosurround a plant canopy or shoot section (not shown) extending from thelid of the upper chamber 200.5. The canopy support sections may beconstructed as a grid or framework from common materials and may providesupport to the plant canopy/shoot section while permitting thecirculation of air. As will be described, an upper frame of each chambermay have holes provided thereon to support the canopy support 300.

Referring additionally to FIGS. 2 and 3, each grow chamber 200 may becomprised generally of a grow chamber frame 210, which includes at leasttwo, and in this case four, support columns 220.1, 220.2, 220.3 and220.4. The support columns 220 support and are interconnected with alower chamber subframe 230 and an upper chamber subframe 240. A frontpanel 250 and a rear panel 260 may be removably secured to a front andback of the chamber frame 210, respectively. An intake side panel 270and an exhaust side panel 280 may be removable secured to respectivesides of the chamber frame 210 and may include devices for enhancing orcausing circulation of air within the chamber, as will be explained. Achamber floor 290 may be formed from a number of (in this case, six)standardized floor panels 292 each having one or more (in this casethree) plant interface recesses 294 defined in a side thereof forreceiving a plant interface 296, which may engage or abut the plant andmay have characteristics of a resilient seal or gasket or includebristles to keep the inner chamber environment controlled independent ofother chambers, as will be explained.

With additional reference to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, illustrates furtherdetails of the constituent components of chamber frame 210 and relatedstructure. Support columns 220 may include a solid main body 221 whichmay be of a square or other cross-section (i.e., circular, rectangularor any cross-section). A square cross-sectional main body is shown. Anupper frame adapter interface 222 is defined on the support column 220for receiving an upper frame adapter 246. The upper frame adapterinterface 222 may include a shoulder 226 formed on the support column220 for supporting a collar 247 on the upper frame adapter 246. Thecollar 247 may be shaped complementarily to the upper frame adapterinterface 222. An upper frame support plate 248 may extend from thecollar 247 to support the upper frame 240. The collar 247 may beretained in place by one or more quick connect fasteners 222.1 which maybe a spring-biased pin that retracts into the support column 220 andsnap into a respective receiving hole 246.1 defined on collar 246 whenthe receiving hole 246.1 is aligned with the pin. A lower frame adapterinterface 223 may be defined on a lower portion of the support column220 for receiving a lower frame adapter 236. The lower frame adapterinterface 223 may include a shoulder 227 formed on the support column220 for supporting a collar 237 on the lower frame adapter 236. Thecollar may be shaped complementarily to the lower frame adapterinterface 223. A lower frame support plate 238 may extend from thecollar 237 to support the lower frame 230. An interface 228 may bedefined in the support column 220 as an elongated slot that extendsthrough the main body of the support column 220 for receiving one ormore components of a shifting/lowering/supporting device, as will bedescribed in more detail.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example upper chamber frame 240. The upper chamberframe 240 may be constructed of a number of elongated frame side members242, which may have an L-shaped cross-section, joined by a like numberof frame joining members, in this case four corner members 241. Thecorner members 241 may be secured on the underside of the frame members242, which may include mitered corners to provide for a smooth uppersurface to facilitate easy installation of the upper frame and securingto the upper frame support plates 248 of the frame adapters 246 (FIGS.4-6). Referring additionally to FIG. 2, in order to provide a smoothsurface and substantially continuous surface on the upper frame of thechamber, upper frame spacer strips 243, which are of the same thicknessas the upper frame support plates 248 may be provided to extend betweenadjacent upper support plates 248. Moreover, tapered, recessedfasteners, such as flathead or tapered screws may be used to secure theframe components. Thus, a very smooth and continuous upper surface maybe provided on each chamber to facilitate effective sealing betweenchambers as well as smooth operation when a chamber is removed from thechamber stack as will be described.

FIG. 8 is an example construction for a front chamber panel 250. Thepanel may include a hinge 252 which enables the front panel to bepivotably mounted on the chamber frame 210 to enable access to theinterior of the chamber. One or more sealing elements 254, such as agasket and/or a raised portion, which may provide a friction fit, may beprovided to ensure effective sealing between the front panel and thechamber frame 210. Such sealing elements may also be provided on theother panels, such as rear panel 260 and side panels 270 and 280.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an example intake panel 270. The intakepanel 270 may include a generally flat sheet member or main body 271having one or more ventilation passages or ports 273 defined therein. Aretaining ridge 274 may be fastened to an interior side of the intakepanel 270 and may interface with and engage an upper edge of one a frontlower frame member 231 (see FIGS. 2 and 4), which may allow the intakepanel 270 to pivot slightly thereabout to permit the panel to rest in aslightly open orientation for access to the chamber interior. A sealingelement 276 may also be fastened to an upper area of the interiorsurface of the panel 270 to provide a sealing engagement with the upperframe 240 (FIG. 4). Side members 272 may reinforce the strength of thepanel and be provided with sealing edges or surfaces to engage orinterface with surfaces on respective support columns 220.1 and 220.2(FIG. 2). One or more vaned cowlings 278 may influence the flow of airor other fluid through the chamber intake panel and may direct incomingair to flow in a radially outward direction relative to the cowling,thus enhancing the distribution and flow of air within the chamberinterior.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views of a side exhaust panel 280. Theside exhaust panel 280 may have a similar construction to the intakepanel 270. A generally flat main body 281 may have a number of exhaustports 283 formed therein, with respective exhaust fans 288 mounted thereon to force air out of the chamber interior. A retaining ridge 284 mayengage one of the chamber lower frame members and permit slight pivotingof the exhaust panel 280. Side members 282 provide strength and asealing surface to engage or interface with surfaces on the respectivesupport columns 220.3 and 220.4. A sealing element 286 may be providedon the interior surface of the exhaust panel 280.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a floor panel and plant interfaces forconstructing the floor of the grow chamber. Floor panel may be of agenerally geometric shape and formed by injection molding with a plasticmaterial, such as a high strength thermoplastic, stainless steel that iscut into the desired geometric shape or other acceptable materials &fabrication methods. The floor panel 292 may include a number ofsemi-circular or other shaped recesses 294 which each may receive andretain therein a plant interface 296. Interfaces may be a full circle inshape (as in FIG. 2) with a single radial slit to permit sealing aroundthe plant stalk while conforming to the floor design & functionality.Plant interfaces 296 may function to provide a seal around a plant stalkto prevent the passage of light into the chamber interior and/or toisolate the chamber interior and a plant section from other chambers andplant sections, such that the environment within the chamber andsurrounding the specific plant section may be controlled separately andindependently from other chamber interiors and respective sections ofthe same plant. Additionally, these plant interfaces act to help supportthe plants in the grow stack. Interface may be formed from anelastomeric material that includes an outer retaining channel 297 forfrictionally engaging a respective recess 294. One or more slits 298 maybe formed within the interface 296 to permit the interface to engageand/or otherwise interface with the plant stalk. Alternatively, or incombination, the interface may include bristles or other features toprovide a substantial sealing engagement with the plant stalk. A numberof flow channels 293 may be formed in an upper surface of the floorpanel 292 and may communicate with one or more passages 295 which permitthe flow of liquid within the chamber through the chamber floor to achamber below or to a base which collects and recirculates liquids inthe system. In the illustrated implementation, each pair of floor panels292 define three grow passages extending through the chamber floor.Thus, the six floor panels define nine grow passages, each of which mayaccommodate a single plant, with each chamber in a chamber stackcontrolling a respective growth environment for one section of each ofthe nine plants growing in the chamber stack. Similarly, such panels maybe used to form a lid or ceiling on one or more chambers. As will berecognized by those of ordinary skill, the present disclosure providesfor a widely adaptable floor and lid configuration where any number ofplant interfaces, in any size, shape and pattern, may be provided tosupport different crop types.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, the floor panels may beof a standardized and customizable, modular construction. That is, thefloor panels 292 may be of identical shape and may fully occupy a floorspace defined in the lower chamber frame 230. Referring back to FIG. 2,owing to the position of the support columns 220, the lower chamberframe 230 defines a floor space, bounded by the upright walls of thelower chamber members, which may have an L-shaped cross-section. Thefloor space is such that it may be completely occupied by floor panelsof a standardized shape, such as a rectangular shape. Similarly, theupper chamber frame 240 may define a ceiling or lid space for supportingceiling or lid panels (not shown) on one or more of the chambers. Theceiling panels may be of a standardized shape as are the floor panels292 and may be identical in shape (i.e., interchangeable with) the floorpanels such that only a single shape panel needs to be manufactured topermit users to configure chambers with floors and ceilings or lids asneeded in a given stacked chamber system. For example, a lid may beconstructed on an upper most chamber in a stack to shield the chamberinterior from light. The orientation of the support columns 220 isoutside of the square floor (and ceiling) space. Thus, the floor andceiling or lid panels need not be formed with cutouts or discontinuitiesin order to fit within the floor space. Not only does this eliminate theneed for non-standard shaped floor panels, but it provides for ease ofinstallation, cleaning and maintenance of the chamber interior.

As will be recognized, according to aspects of the disclosure, the growchamber construction permits a grow chamber to be constructed around oneor more growing plant stalks without disturbing the growth of theplant(s). Specifically, the chamber construction permits an operator tofirst construct the upper and lower frame assemblies 240 and 230, andthen secure them to the upper and lower portions of the support columns220 using the upper and lower frame adapters. The frame assembly can beplaced on top of a first chamber within which the one or more plants aregrowing and the alignment projections (229, FIGS. 5 and 6) of the firstchamber. The floor panels 292 may then be set in place within the lowerframe floor space with the recesses 294 and plant interfaces 296 beingplaced around respective plant stalks. The front, back and side panels,with intake and exhaust features that provide for venting and/orcirculation, may then be installed on the chamber frame and a lid, oradditional chamber, may be installed on top of the (second) chamber toform an enclosed and controlled environment in the second chamber forrespective sections of the plant(s). As will be recognized, theconstruction of each chamber in a chamber stack may thus be done tocreate additional controlled growth sections of existing plants andwithout disturbing, removing or harming the plant(s). This, in turn,enables the addition of grow chambers to the stack with virtually nodisturbance to the plants and while the plants continue to grow.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of an example base according to an aspect ofthe disclosure. As will be recognized, owing to one of the advantages ofthe present disclosure, the modular components utilized in constructionof the upper chambers 200 (FIG. 1) including the chamber frame 210 andsupport columns 220 may also be utilized to construct a base 100.Instead of floor panels, a basin or tray 120 may be supported within thechamber frame 210 on the upper frame 240. Support columns 220 may beprovided with adjustable pedestals 150 which support the base 100, andthus, ultimately, the entire stack of chambers, on a floor surface. Anumber of side panels 110 may be provided for aesthetic purposes.

FIGS. 14.1 and 14.2 illustrate an example growing process that may befacilitated by the above-described chamber constructions. Configurationsof the system 10 (FIG. 1) corresponding to particular process steps areshown to the left of the example steps. At step 1402, the base (“Base”)and first chamber (“C1”) are constructed in place on a surface. Plantgrowth is initiated, for example, by the placement of a potato start,which may constitute a first section of the plant at a first maturitylevel in the first chamber. As will be recognized, while a single plantis being referenced for purposes of simplicity in this example, thechambers may support multiple plants (i.e., such as the nine plantinterfaces described in the examples with regard to FIGS. 1-13). At step1406, when the first section of the plant reaches a second maturitylevel, which may coincide with the potato start forming a stalk orcanopy, which may constitute a second plant section, a second chamber(“C2”) may be constructed around a second section of the plant. Asdescribed above, such construction of the second chamber may occurwithout disruption to the growth of the plant growing in the firstchamber. The second plant section may be modified prior to constructionof the second chamber, such as by removal of some or all of the leavesgrowing on the plant stalk in order to modify the second section from astalk/canopy portion to a root mass/productive portion. The secondchamber in this case may include a lid to shield the productive plantsection from light and to enclose the plant section.

At step 1408, when the plant reaches a third maturity level, a thirdchamber may be constructed around a third section of the plant. This mayinclude a modification of a stalk portion of the plant as was done forthe second chamber above. Similarly, at step 1410, when the plantreaches a fourth maturity level, a fourth chamber may be constructedaround a fourth plant section. As will be recognized, in this manner,sections of the plant may be modified with the addition of respectivechambers, with each productive plant section having a different maturitylevel of the crop/produce, with the most mature productive section ofthe plant being in the first chamber.

In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, the grow chamberconstructions disclosed herein not only eliminate the need for anexternal frame, and associated complexities, to support the chamberstack, but also support efficient and simple removal of chambers as partof a harvesting process. Referring particularly to FIG. 14.2, at step1420 during a harvesting step, the chambers above the first chamber,that is, the second, third and fourth chambers, are supported via thesupport interfaces on the support columns on the second chamber. Thismay be done with a stationary support, schematically represented to theleft of step 1420, or with a shifting device, as will be describedherein. Removal of the first chamber may then occur by either or both ofsteps 1422 and 1424, both represented by dotted lines in the process toindicate they are optional and may be performed together oralternatively. At step 1422, the portion of the stack constituted by thesecond, third and fourth chambers (C2, C3 and C4) may be elevated withan external lift, as indicated by the arrows. In addition, oralternatively, at step 1424, the first chamber may simply be shifted asufficient distance to disengage the alignment projections/connectingpins (229 in FIGS. 5 and 6) to permit removal of the first chamber, withor without the base. Lowering of the first chamber and base may occur byvirtue of collapsible/extendable mounting features on the base, whichpermit the base and first chamber to lower a slight distance relative tothe supported second, third and fourth chambers, so that the alignmentprojections clear the recesses of the support columns of the secondchamber. At step 1426, the first plant section may be severed from therest of the plant using a cutting device. At step 1428, the firstchamber may be removed and the crop harvested from that chamber'sstacked production layer of the plant housed within the first chamber.After harvesting, the remaining chambers C2, C3 and C4 may be loweredonto the base, and another chamber added to the top of the stack toinitiate modification of yet another section of the plant from a stalkinto a productive section (root mass). As will be recognized, theprocess provides continued harvesting of crop from successive sectionsof a single plant. In addition, multiple productive levels of the plantmay be developed under a single plant canopy and thus drawing from thesame energy source. In this manner, productivity of the plant for agiven energy input may be increased.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, chamber shifting devices whichfacilitate performance of one or more of the steps described above maybe provided. FIGS. 15-31 illustrate a portable shifting device 500 thatmay be utilized with a number of grow chamber stacks that may be locatedin a large scale grow operation. Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, shiftingdevice 500 may have a generally U-shaped configuration when viewed fromthe top, with a pair of opposed side frames 520 and 530 connected by arear cross-member 540 and a rear chamber removal carriage 545 pivotablyconnected to the cross-member 540. Each side member 520, 530 includestwo pairs of shifting carriages 550 for releasably engaging respectiveshifting interfaces (228 in FIGS. 5 and 6) on the support columns 220(FIG. 2) on respective chambers in the chamber stack. Shifting carriages550.1, 550.2, 550.3 and 550.4 engage respective shifting interfaces on asecond chamber (not shown in FIG. 15) and shifting carriages 560.1,560.2, 560.3 and 560.4 engage respective shifting interfaces on a firstchamber in the chamber stack (not shown in FIG. 15). A pair of leadscrews 555.1, 555.2, 555.3 and 555.4, on each side member, each actuatedby a servo motor 557, provide for actuation of the shifting carriages560. Moreover, as will be explained, each shifting carriage 550 may beprovided with a locking mechanism and driving mechanism to permitindependent movement and locking of the two shifting carriages on eachlead screw relative to one another. A pair of guide rods 558 extend oneach side of each lead screw 557 and are fixed to the side members andextend through a journal in each shifting carriage to provide forlateral support and guidance thereof. A cutting mechanism 590 (FIG. 16)is mounted for reciprocating movement on cutting mechanism in adirection parallel to the ground to travel in a space between growchambers, from the front of the chambers to the back, to sever plantsections, as will be explained.

FIG. 17 illustrates a shifting device 500 disposed in position around agrow chamber stack having a first grow chamber 200.1 and second growchamber 200.2. The shifting device may be transported into position oncaster or wheel elements disposed beneath the side frames and or crossmember. In FIG. 17, the shifting carriages 550 and 560 are not yetdeployed into engagement with the shifting interfaces on the chambers.

FIG. 18 shows the shifting device 500 in position around a pair of growchambers with the chamber receiving carriage 545 deployed to ahorizontal position. Pivoting may occur by manual operation, or byappropriate automated controls and motors. FIG. 18 also shows the uppershifting carriages 550 in a chamber-engaging position with the guiderods 553 extended inward towards the second chamber. Referringadditionally to FIG. 19, each shifting carriage 550, 560 includes agripping block 552 having a recess 554 defined therein and shaped toreceive the width of a supporting column on the chamber. A locking bar556 may be actuated by a handle 551 through an appropriate linkage, aswill be explained and may extend through the shifting interface in arespective support column (not shown in FIG. 19) and into a receivingslot 557 in the gripping block 552. In this manner, a respective supportcolumn (228, FIGS. 5 and 6) may be securely locked in place on eachshifting carriage prior to shifting the chamber. Each shifting carriage550, 560 includes a pair of guide rods 553 which provide verticalsupport to the gripping block 552 and allow it to move horizontallyrelative to a shifting carriage base 561 (FIG. 19), which selectivelyengages a respective lead screw. Horizontal movement of the grippingblock 552 relative to the shifting carriage base 561 may be donemanually or may be done with controlled motorized components that actupon the guide rods 553 and/or the gripping block 552.

FIG. 20 shows the shifting device 500 with the shifting carriages 550 ina position in which the second chamber 200.2 is lifted from the firstchamber 200.1. As will be recognized, there may be additional chambers(i.e., third chamber, fourth chamber) above the second chamber and thosechambers would also be lifted into an elevated position above the firstchamber. In this position, the cutting mechanism 590 may travel throughthe space between the first chamber and the second chamber to sever theplant section(s) in the first chamber from those in the second chamber.Operation of the cutting mechanism 590 will be explained below.

FIG. 21 shows the shifting device 500 with shifting carriages 560 in aposition in which they engage the first chamber in preparation forshifting the first chamber to permit removal thereof. FIG. 22 shows thefirst chamber being lifted by the shifting carriages 560 to create aspace between the first chamber and the base 100. Referring additionallyto FIG. 23, removal of the first chamber may be facilitated by a rollersled 547 deployed from the chamber removal carriage 545. A chamberreceiving frame 548 may be supported with a number of linkages 549 onthe chamber removal carriage 545. The chamber receiving frame 548 may bepivoted to an elevated position shown in FIG. 23, in which it iselevated to the same height as the top of the base 100. Roller sled 547may then be manually rolled from the chamber receiving frame 548 ontothe upper frame of the base. FIG. 24 shows the roller sled 547 inposition beneath the first chamber and supported on the upper frame ofthe base 100. Further details are shown in FIG. 28, in which a portionof the shifting device 500 and the first and second chambers have beenomitted to show the position of roller sled 547 on the base 100. Afterthe roller sled has been put in position beneath the first chamber, thelower shifting carriages are actuated to lower the first chamber 200.1onto the roller sled 547. The handles on the shifting carriages areactuated to disengage the locking bar from the shifting interfaces ofthe support columns, and the shifting carriages are retracted fromengagement with the first chamber support columns, as shown in FIG. 25.The first chamber 200.1 may then be rolled onto the chamber receivingframe 548 using the roller sled 547 to the position shown in FIG. 26.The first chamber may be subsequently lifted from the chamber receivingframe 548 and removed for further processing/harvesting steps for theplant section (crop) contained therein.

FIG. 29 illustrates details of a cutting mechanism 590, which mayinclude a cutting band or wire 591 which extends around a rotating drivemotor 592. At an opposite end is a pulley or other element (not shown)to keep the band or wire 591 in tension. Band or wire 591 may travel ina single direction, or it may reciprocate to effectuate severing of theplant section in a chamber below the cutting mechanism 591. Motor 592and the opposite end pulley may each be mounted on a cutting mechanismcarriage 593 which may be slidably secured to a guide rod 594 extendingfrom the front to the back of the shifting mechanism frame on each sidethereof. The cutting mechanism carriages 593 may be moved from the frontto the back of the shifting mechanism frame with motorized components orwith a manually operated linkage that allows an operator to move theassembly along the guide rods 594 and in the space between chambers whensevering of a plant section is desired.

FIG. 30 illustrates details of a linkage between the shifting carriagehandle 551 and the locking bar 556. The linkage may include a cammingextension 558 extending from the shaft of the handle and being pivotablyconnected to a yoke 559 extending from the locking bar 556. Rotation ofthe handle 551 causes movement of the extension 558 and correspondingsliding movement of the locking bar 556 within the shifting carriagegripping block 552.

FIG. 31 is a cross section of a shifting carriage 550 showing internalcomponents for driving and locking the shifting carriage. With regard tothe locking mechanism, the guide rods 558 may be provided withfriction-enhancing features, such as locking teeth 563 formed in orextending along a side of the guide rod 558. A pair of locking grips 564have mating teeth 565 formed thereon for engaging the locking teeth 563of the guide rods and may be mounted for reciprocal movement withinjournal or housing elements 566. Linkages 567 connect the locking grips564 to a crank 568 which may be moved by a motor (not shown) controlledby a control system. These components provide for selective locking anunlocking of the shifting carriage to the guide rods 558. With regard tothe locking mechanism, a conical half-nut assembly 570, with two taperedor conical elements that may be biased outward by a spring may beselectively moved upward in FIG. 31 into locking engagement with aconical surface on a locking block 572 secured to the shifting carriagehousing. Upward or downward movement of the shifting carriage may befacilitated by an outer actuating tube 574 that surrounds the lead screwand may be moved upward by a camming surface on the crank 568 such thatrotation of the crank results in upward movement of the actuating tube547 (as well as actuation of the locking grips 564. Due to thetaper/conical surfaces in the half-nut halves and in the locking block,the two halves may be forced together upon upward movement until theyengage the lead screw and act as a single drive nut. The shiftingcarriage thus operates in this mode as though it were permanentlyattached to the lead screw, raising and lowering with no further actionupon the half-nut assembly required. When it is desired to disengage thehalf-nut (i.e., to hold the associated chamber in place) the rotation ofthe crank in a locking direction may cause the locking grips 564 toengage the locking teeth on the guide rods and, at the same time, thelead screw may be reversed to allow the locking grip teeth to engage theguide rods. In addition, the actuator crank causes a lowering of theactuating tube 574 and the continued rotation of the lead screw maycause the half nut assembly to lower and disengage from the lead screw.The half-nut assembly thus provides selective engagement anddisengagement of the shifting carriage with the lead screw 555 and iscoordinated with actuation of the locking grips 564 such that theshifting carriage may be unlocked from the guide rods 558 and engagedwith the lead screw 555 simultaneously or in a single operation.Alternatively, the locking mechanism and shifting mechanism may beactuated by separate actuators, each under appropriate control by arespective control system, to coordinate their operation. The dimensionsof the half-nut may be selected to ensure that the half-nut cancompletely disconnect while also staying within the lower section of thelocking block conical surface to ensure the half nut assembly remainscentered at all times.

The above configuration provides for a single lead screw to raise andlower two or more shifting carriages mounted thereon independent of oneanother. Thus, the shifting carriages 550.1 and 560.1 (FIG. 15) can bemoved independent of one another using the lead screw motion andappropriate controls for the driving and locking mechanisms in eachshifting carriage.

FIGS. 32-45 illustrate a second example grow chamber system according toaspects of the disclosure and which may be used to perform the processdescribed above relative to FIGS. 14.1 and 14.2. Referring particularlyto FIGS. 32 and 33, grow chamber system 1000 may include a base orchamber 1100 and a number of modular grow chambers (five are shown)1200.1, 1200.2, 1200.3, 1200.4 and 1200.5. A top framework 1300 may beprovided on a top one of the chambers 1200.5 and may include an energysource 1310 suspended therefrom as well as a number of support members1320 fastened to the corners of the upper chamber 1200.5 and extendingabove the upper chamber. In addition, other supporting structure may beprovided, such as the gridwork shown in the system in FIG. 1. A shiftingdevice 1500, which may be a scissor-type shifting device, maybe disposedbeneath the base 1100. Base 1100 may have telescoping support members1110 (partially illustrated, see FIGS. 43 and 44 for full illustrations)secured to support columns at the corners of the base 1110. Rollers orcasters 1112 may be mounted on the bottom of each corner support column.

A second example modular chamber construction is illustrated in theexploded view in FIG. 34 and in the assembled view in FIG. 41. A lowerframe 1230 is defined by a number (in this case four) channel members1232 each of which is secured to a lower portion of the corner supportcolumns 1220.1, 1220.2, 1220.3 and 1220.4. The lower frame members 1232and corner support columns 1220 define a floor space, which supports anumber of floor panels, including inner floor panels 1293 and end floorpanels 1292, which have a cutout 1294 to fit around the corner supportcolumns 1220. A number of floor support cross members 1233 may extendbetween two of the lower frame members 1232 and in a directiontransverse to the major dimension of the floor panels to provideadditional support thereto. A front panel 1250, rear panel 1260, rightside panel 1270 and left side panel 1280 may be secured to respectivelower frame members 1232 and to the corner support columns 1220 usingthreaded fasteners or other fastening devices, such as quick connectfasteners. FIG. 34 also illustrates an upper and lower nutrientdistribution framework 1210 and 1215, which may include conduits fordistributing nutrients to a number of spray nozzles within the chamber.

FIGS. 35 and 36 illustrate details of a lower frame member 1232 and anexample connecting feature for releasably securing the lower framemembers 1232 to the support columns 1220. Frame member 1232 may be agenerally L-shaped angled member having a horizontally extending floorsupport member with a vertically extending fastening tab 1240 extendingfrom each end thereof. A vertical wall 1235 may extend between and befastened to the fastening tabs 1240 with threaded fasteners 1243,welding or other fastening features. Fastening tabs 1240 include anumber (in this case two) of fastening channels or hooks 1242 extendingin a downward direction to engage and receive fastening pins on thesupport columns as will be explained. As will be recognized, thehorizontal member 1234 may be formed from a stamping operation in whichfastening tabs are formed and then bent at a 90-degree angle to theorientation shown in FIG. 35.

FIGS. 37-39 illustrate details of the corner support columns 1220 andhow they are fastened to the lower frame members 1232. Support columns1220 may include a rounded outer corner 1221 extending to a panelshoulder 1222 for providing a flush mount of the front, back or sidepanels. Each support column 1220 may include a pair of locking levers1226, which are mounted on pivot pins 1227 and may pivot (swing) from astored position, in which they are secured in a spring biased clip 1228to a locking position (shown in FIG. 39) in which the end of the lockinglevers 1226 engages the fastening tabs 1240 of the lower frame members1232 to secure the position of the lower frame members and theengagement of locking pins 1229 in the respective channels of thefastening tabs 1240, thus securing the frame member 1232 to the supportcolumns 1220. In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, an alignmentpin 1225 is provided in a recess or aperture 1224 in the top of thesupport column 1220 for engaging an adjacent recess in the supportcolumn of an adjacent (upper) chamber.

In contrast to the modular chamber construction described above withregard to FIGS. 1-13, in this example the construction utilizes only alower frame defining a floor space and utilizing the support columns tointerconnect the lower frame constituent members.

The lower frame connections include a high strength quick connectfeature, which enhances the structural strength provided by the lowerchamber frame and support columns such that an upper chamber frame (asin the system of FIGS. 1-13) may be eliminated or optional. Thisconfiguration also provides enhanced access to the chamber interior.Moreover, the corner support columns are disposed inward compared to theimplementation of FIGS. 1-13, and thus partially occupy the chamberinterior and provide a smooth outer perimeter of the grow chamber toenhance cleaning and appearance.

FIG. 42 is an exploded view of a base 1100 and a shifting device 1500.As will be recognized, the lower frame 1230, cross-members 1233, supportcolumns 1220 and front, back and side panels 1250, 1260, 1270 and 1280may be constructed similarly to the chamber construction described abovewith regard to FIGS. 32-40. However, a solid floor panel 1190 may beutilized instead of the floor panels 1292, 1293 (FIGS. 34 and 41) inorder to provide a smooth surface on the underside of the chamber forinterfacing with a lift assembly. Moreover, a drip tray 1180 may besecured to the top of the base 1100 to collect liquids that may dripfrom the chamber stack above.

Referring additionally to FIG. 45, shifting device 1500 may be ascissor-type shifting assembly with an outer frame 1510 and an innerframe 1520 pivotally connected to one another. Inner frame 1510 andouter frame 1520 may have floor roller elements 1530 to engage a floorsurface. Inner frame 1510 and outer frame 1520 may also include chamberfloor engaging rollers 1540, which may engage the floor 1190 of thechamber 1100. A pair of reinforcing bars 1160 may extend across thechamber floor and between two of the lower frame members 1230 to providestructural strength to the base and to prevent deformation duringshifting by the shifting device. The reinforcing bars 1160 may be spacedin such a manner that they also function as guides for the chamber floorengaging rollers 1540. An actuator 1580, which may be a motor drivenlead screw to push and pull upper cross members of the inner and outerframe apart or together to adjust the height of the shifting device1500.

FIGS. 43 and 44 illustrate details of a telescoping/adjustable support1110 that may be quickly and securely fastened to each of the cornersupport columns 1220 in order to maintain the vertical position of aportion of the chamber stack, as in step 1420 of the process describedrelative to FIGS. 14.1 and 14.2. Each support 1110 may include a bracket1112 which is shaped to engage the outer surface of the support columns1220 on a selected chamber. Quick-release pins 1114 with handles 1116may be used to engage holes on the support columns 1220 to therebyfasten the supports 1110 to respective ones of the four support columnson a given chamber. In this manner, the selected chamber and thechambers above it may be supported in a vertical position. Then, thechambers beneath the supported stack may be lowered using the shiftingdevice 1500 a sufficient distance that the alignment pins in the supportcolumns are clear from the recesses in the support columns above them,and removal of the chamber, after severing the plant section as needed,may occur as in step 1424 in the process of FIGS. 14.1 and 14.2.

It should be understood that implementation of other variations andmodifications of the invention in its various aspects may be readilyapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and that the inventionis not limited by the specific embodiments described herein. It istherefore contemplated to cover, by the present invention any and allmodifications, variations or equivalents.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system for managing growth of at leastone plant comprising: a base; the base including at least two basesupport columns; a first chamber supported on the base, the firstchamber including at least two first chamber support columns, the firstchamber support columns, having a first chamber support column alignmentprojection extending therefrom; a first chamber lower frame extendingbetween each of the first chamber support columns; at least two firstchamber floor panels supported on the first chamber lower frame, thefirst chamber floor panels forming a first chamber floor, each firstchamber floor panel having a first chamber floor panel recess, the floorpanel recesses arranged to form at least one floor passage when thefirst chamber floor panels are positioned adjacent one another on thefirst chamber lower frame; a plurality of removable first chamber sidepanels extending between the first chamber support columns and firstchamber lower frame members, the first chamber side panels and firstchamber floor panels defining a first chamber interior space; a secondchamber supported on the first chamber, the second chamber including atleast two second chamber support columns, the second chamber supportcolumns each having a recess for receiving a respective one of the firstchamber support column alignment projections extending therefrom; asecond chamber lower frame extending between each of the second chambersupport columns; at least two second chamber floor panels supported onthe second chamber lower frame, the second chamber floor panels forminga second chamber floor, each second chamber floor panel having a secondchamber floor panel recess, the second chamber floor panel recessesarranged to form at least one second chamber floor passage when thesecond chamber floor panels are positioned adjacent one another on thesecond chamber lower frame; a plurality of removable second chamber sidepanels extending between the second chamber support columns, and secondchamber upper frame members, the second chamber side panels and secondchamber floor defining a second chamber interior space; the secondchamber floor enclosing the first chamber interior space to provide aclosed environment within the first chamber for supporting a controlledenvironment around a plant section extending therein between a firstchamber plant interface and a second chamber plant interface.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the first chamber lower frame defines a firstchamber floor space, and wherein the at least two first chamber floorpanels are supported on the first chamber lower frame in the firstchamber floor space.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising aplant canopy support secured to at least one of the chambers.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein at least one of the base support columns,first chamber support columns or second chamber support columns includesa shifting interface adapted to interface with an external shiftingdevice.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the shifting interfacecomprises a slot.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first chamberlower frame defines a floor space, wherein the at least two firstchamber support columns are positioned adjacent to the floor space. 7.The system of claim 1, wherein the first chamber lower frame defines afloor space, wherein the first chamber floor panels are of astandardized size.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the floor panelsdefine at least two recesses, which form respective passages when thefloor panels are placed in floor space, the passages being adapted toallow a respective plant to pass therethrough.
 9. The system of claim 8,wherein each of the recesses are adapted to engage with the plantinterface.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the floor panels are of astandardized size and wherein the first lower chamber frame defines afloor space that can be completely occupied by the floor panels.
 11. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a canopy assembly for supporting aplant shoot section.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the firstchamber further comprises a first upper chamber frame supported on thefirst chamber support columns, and wherein the first chamber furthercomprise an intake panel and an exhaust panel removably secured to thefirst chamber and adapted to fit within a panel space defined by thefirst lower chamber frame, first upper chamber frame and first chambersupport members.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of thefirst chamber and the second chamber comprise at least one removablepanel secured to the first lower chamber frame for permitting access toan interior thereof.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the at leastone removable panel extends between two of the first chamber supportcolumns.